Topic
Conflicts arose on the University of Hong Kong's governing council in 2015 as pro-democracy Professor Johannes Chan Man-mun was being considered to be pro-vice-chancellor of the institution. His candidacy eventually failed, eliciting criticism that pro-establishment forces had opposed him on political grounds. Tensions flared again when months later Professor Arthur Li Kwok-cheung, a close ally of Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, was named chairman of the council.
The sacking of academic Benny Tai, one of the founders of the 2014 Occupy civil disobedience movement, has come at a time when society is already divided, with some now questioning the institution’s independence.
Chief executive holds post by default, but student and staff unions call for that to change after controversial chairman Arthur Li is reappointed to lead governing council.
After student protests in first term that brought out Li’s combative style, mixed feelings greet his reappointment.
But Leonie Ki describes time on campus management body as ‘very traumatic’ and ‘worse than hell’, after clashing with students in an appointment saga and siege over governance reforms.
Number of votes sharply down compared with 2015 election held during controversies over top appointments
The search process for the provost and deputy vice chancellor role at the University of Hong Kong has been on hold for more than two years.
After two rounds without success, third search was cancelled when last university vice chancellor Peter Mathieson resigned.
Fears raised that electing ‘yes man’ to governing body will only empower controversial chairman Arthur Li, and not address issue of city leader’s chancellorship.
Timothy O’Leary talks to the Post about the threat to academic freedom as Hong Kong’s ties to China deepen, and why mandatory retirement at 60 is the ‘single worst policy at HKU’.
But the long-time law school dean, rejected for a senior managerial position at the city’s oldest university in 2015, urges its new vice chancellor to stand his ground.
Judge refuses applications in case involving university’s decision not to make liberal scholar Johannes Chan pro-vice-chancellor.
Outgoing HKU chief Peter Mathieson shares his thoughts on the Occupy protests, governing council conflicts, and politics at the heart of education
Two former student leaders face imprisonment following their conviction on Thursday for their roles in a chaotic siege of a University of Hong Kong council meeting last year.